We're so occupied with fixing things, getting rid of bugs, straigthening inconsistencies and sorting things out that we nearly forgot about documenting all our work and present it to you. But as I said - only nearly!

For that reason you'll get a new load of screenshots and information today. We want to share with you some improvements we did to the game engine and which specifically polish the graphics. Click the images to enlarge them.

This image shows you a newly added effect, the "Chromatic Dispersion". This new effect is used to make the water even more realistic. Of course this can best be seen while in motion, but this screenshot (on which the effect has been increased for demonstration) should give you a good idea. It's turned on automatically when using Shader Model 3.0.

As it was St. Nicholas Day yesterday and we are in a generous mood we'll also add another entry to the FAQ - although this question has not been asked before.

Question: The patch is going to be internationally distributed - does that mean I will be able to choose the ingame language?
Answer: Indeed we've changed the system in a way that instead of a split-up string database including all the ingame texts we are now using a complete database. For us this is preferable because administration and distribution will be quite easier - for you this means that you may freely select the subtitle language ingame. English speech with Chinese subtitles? No problem!

A few more errors are to be repaired. These must be tested afterwards and JoWooD must sanction this, because it is an official patch. Moreover, Christmas and stands New Year before the door ... and also with some vacation etc.

And exactly this yule tide form an alliance with vacation and rest we also want to enjoy... at least I. And if I insist this.

It's me, the Nameless Hero! You might know me from games like Gothic, Gothic 2 or Gothic 3!

Unfortunately I need to bring some bad news today, so I'll be straightforward here: The patch is not going to be released this year!
Before you start yelling "Oh crap!", "Beliar!" or "S#%$!?ß#!" let me tell you, this actually is good news! The Community Patch Team takes all the time necessary to create a proper patch fixing as much as possible and which lets you finally play the game. This needs time! But the more time it takes, the less bugs you'll find in the game. If THAT is no good news!

Actual plans say that the patch will be release in Q1 2011.

Of course they're not going to leave you out in the rain, therefore they've sent me this wonderful wallpaper package with several screen resolutions. That's no ingame shot, it's art, created by your Michelangelo ArthusofKD!

While I'm saddened by the fact that Forsaken gods won't be my holiday RPG this year, I'm sure that I speak for at least most of us when I say: Take your time. It is better that you release a good patch then an ok patch, even if it means that we have to wait several more months.